Frocktails – a blend of frocks and cocktails. An annual event organised by some amazing seamsters in Melbourne. A chance to make a special occasion frock, then wear it to socialise with other seamsters.

Frocktails has been running for a few years but this was my first time. I kept missing out on a ticket because I was always too late. Happened again this year. “Oh well” I thought, better luck next year.

Then a happy happenstance – a cancellation that freed up a ticket for me. With two weeks to go the pressure was on!

I floated several pattern options on instagram, and asked family and work colleagues for their opinions. One colleague said an emphatic no to one pattern, describing it as “a bit Millers”, and not really right for me. I eventually settled on Vogue 1415, view B.

The top is cut on the bias and has no darts. The stretch in the bias skims over any lumps and bumps. The fabric was a light poly that I’d collected from a swap event earlier this year (thanks Anna). The fabric was very slippery and slid off my cutting table several times. Lots of pattern weights and pins were needed.

Usually I overlock edges, but the cowl neck on this needed a neater finish. I did a flat fell seam and got to use my duck billed scissors for the the first time.

The fabric was a little too light for this outfit so I got some satin and made a bias hem facing to weigh it down a bit.

The cowl neck sits beautifully over the shoulders. It moves and changes shape as I move. These are the views from behind, front and side:

I had intended to also make the longer wider leg trousers (view A), from a navy blue wool blend. But, the day and evening were just too hot and I was having too much fun with my cargo bike.

I wore some black trousers instead.

The evening was lovely. I was nervous at first, so many sewing people all in one room! I met up with people whose blogs and instragram feeds I follow. I caught up with women I know from social sewing, and I met a stack of new people. The dresses were amazing.

To my great delight this happened:

“Did you get your fabric from a fabric swap?”

“Yes I did”

“It was mine, I had it a long time. I’m so glad to see it made up at last.”